When Your Hospital Stay Ends

Your doctor will write a discharge order on your chart when he or she believes you are medically ready to leave the hospital. A nurse will come to your room with discharge papers for you to complete and sign.

Be certain to ask about any prescriptions, special diet, instructions or restrictions that your doctor may leave for you. The hospital pharmacy does not fill prescriptions, but there are several independent pharmacies near the hospital. Remember that a social worker or case manager is available to discuss community resources and services you may need when you leave. These include things like home health, convalescent or skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation programs, support groups or service agencies.

Keep in mind that you have the option of using Willis-Knighton for many services that will continue your recovery. These include home health, skilled nursing care, cardiac rehabilitation, hospice, physical rehabilitation plus physical, occupational and speech therapy. If you want to know more about these and other community resources, please tell your nurse you would like to speak with a social worker or case manager before you leave.

As you prepare to leave, be sure to gather all your personal belongings. When your transportation is ready, an attendant will assist you into a wheelchair and take you to a discharge exit. The wheelchair is standard procedure required by hospital regulations, so relax and enjoy the ride!